1946 Indian: Mighty Indian Chief
1946 Indian: Mighty Indian Chief
Words and Photos: Harley Camilleri
When it comes to the early Indian motorcycle lineup, there exists a line drawn in the sand for those that are pure of heart to the brand. Those that are loyal cannot imagine owning any other motorcycle. It’s a labor of love for those that seek out the original parts from a company cut short in its life more than 50 years ago.
1946 Indian: Mighty Indian Chief
Words and Photos: Harley Camilleri
There’s magic in the Indian name, and it lives on today in machines like this one. Marty spent the better part of nearly three years building the ’46 Indian Chief you see here. As he explains, the majority of the time was spent just trying to locate and purchase the mostly original parts he wanted to use for his build so that it would look like it was built some time ago.
1946 Indian: Mighty Indian Chief
Words and Photos: Harley Camilleri
What he could not find in original form through the helpful Indian community, he searched for and found through the aftermarket manufacturers. Luckily for him, a number of high-quality reproduction parts were available that made life much smoother. Marty’s Indian began life with a 40-horsepower, 74-inch engine that would barely get out of its own way by today’s standards. To breathe more life into the engine he chose a Truett & Osborn 4 13/16- inch flywheel to bring his engine up to the later model Chief’s 80-inch specs. The case and cylinders were still surviving originals, but needed a little machine work from Indian Engineering to make everything fit together properly. Marty said, “My dad, sister (Raquel), and niece (Kylie) helped me build the engine in my kitchen. Kylie helped by pinning the pistons to the rods and Raquel set the original cylinders on the assembled lower end.” A pair of Starklite reproduction 80ci cylinder heads topped off their handiwork and breathes with the help of a Bandit camshaft. Fuel and air are mixed through a Performance Indian 40mm CV carburetor kit and waste fumes get dumped through the original exhaust that Marty modified before nickel plating.
1946 Indian: Mighty Indian Chief
Words and Photos: Harley Camilleri
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1946 Indian: Mighty Indian Chief
Words and Photos: Harley Camilleri
Shifting duties are still handled by the original ’46 three-speed transmission. Internally, new Starklite gears were used as necessary to replace the worn out stockers, and as a testament to quality manufacturing, even the clutch basket and primary drive sprocket are still original. A little updating was in order, though, so the clutch plates are current day Kevlar replacements. Clutch actuation is still handled by the left foot rocker pedals, with shifting duties stemming from the right-side hand shifter topped with a scorpion shifter ball for added effect.
1946 Indian: Mighty Indian Chief
Words and Photos: Harley Camilleri
Marty’s ’46 frame got a dose of fresh black powercoat before being fit with a set of 1950 Aerodraulic telescoping forks and the stock plunger-type rear shocks. The front rolls on a 19-inch Buchanan’s hoop with stainless spokes, while out back, you’ll find a similar 18-inch assembly peaking from under the skirted fender. Keeping with the early-era theme are Firestone Deluxe Champion reproduction rubber sourced from the ever-popular Coker Tire company. Stopping power is strictly from the rebuilt cable operated, mechanical drum brakes. The minimal sheetmetal on the Chief gives off the perfect era correct custom appearance by doing away with the front fender to lend a racy appearance to the machine, the Iron Horse Corral long rear fender ensures the Indian namesake appearance is retained. Eagle-eyed readers might notice the fuel tank is actually from an older ’36 model Chief. House of Kolor Jet Black was sprayed over the minimal bodywork and striped by Scott Harvill around the logo to give the bike its perfect hot rod appearance. The final piece to the puzzle was the Duane Ballard custom leather seat wrapped around the Chief’s 69-year old seat pan.
1946 Indian: Mighty Indian Chief
Words and Photos: Harley Camilleri
The influence for this build was through a chance encounter with John Parker and his ’46 Chief. With original Vard forks and a clean bobber style, Marty was introduced to the early Indian motorcycles and fell in love with them. While gathering parts for his personal ’46 Chief, Marty met great people in the Indian motorcycle community and thanks them for their help locating parts and with all the history of the Indian motorcycle brand.
